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Secrets of the Tally #3
A Deal For Three
People say it’s impossible to find an Epic in hiding, which is why Ratuan has hired the cruel Zhauri Brotherhood to catch Allie, Ebby, and Vack, who have all but vanished. They’re the three most elusive individuals on the continent, but the Zhauri haven’t let a target escape in the brotherhood’s history – and they’re not about to start. To pay for a hunt of this magnitude, Ratuan has promised Maverick far more than money. He’s brought the Zhauri a three way deal that will wreck the Escalis, declare independence from Tekada, and crown Maverick as ruler of their new kingdom. All Maverick has to do is capture his three targets, and Ratuan will take care of the rest. Unfortunately, the Zhauri know Archie has ties to all three runners, and he is not only coerced into joining the team, but given great motivation to take part in their hunt. Because while Allie is slowly dying from the curse that now plagues her, Maverick holds the key to breaking it. To save his best friend, Archie will have to lead the effort to find and catch her, all while trying not to become one of the Zhauri himself.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
411 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 2, 2019
I was send a copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review
Boy did it feel good to be back in the Tally universe! This series is one of the only ya books suited for very young readers that is able to make me lose my mind like the emotional fangirl that I am. This is a series that has made me scream in anger, cry with emotional tears and, yes, even ship children. I didn’t think it would be possible to best Catching Epics because that book was really something else, but I should have known Halie would find a way to! Also, kudos to this wonderful writer for creating moments that serve as a recap on the events of the previous two books. Not many authors (even mainstream ones!) take the time to do that, but in a series I find those moments to be extremely important. It’s wonderful to reread books before new releases, but not everyone has the time to! So it’s great that Halie takes the time to really make sure that you can dive right back into the world and these characters. And let me tell you, she does a fantastic job of it!
After the shocking cliffhanger in book 2, the stakes in A Deal For Three were higher than ever before. The book was very fast-paced, with lots of action, lots of plotting and so much room for these characters to grow! I’ve always found Halie’s characters to be very well rounded and relatable, but it has never been more so than in this book. The characters certainly evolve, but at the same time they remain the lovable little cinnamon buns that we’ve grown to love (and, in some cases, the little shites that we love to hate. I’m looking at you, Ratuan. I’m looking at you.) And what more can I tell you? I’m a sucker for romance, and I was really satisfied with the development of Archie and Allie’s relationship in this one. Feels, swooning and the occasional swearing were all a part of the package deal.
Vack and Ebby. I love them. I know, Halie, I’m sorry. I have a feeling that I shouldn’t be as invested as I am in this relationship, but I CAN’T HELP IT. The banter between those two is just too real and I just really want them to live happily ever after, away from toxic Ratuan and all the shit they constantly have to face. Especially my poor Vack. My poor, sweet little baby. *cries in the distance*
ANYWAYS, to wrap things up, this book was absolutely incredible. It kept my interest piqued from start to end, which is not easy given the horrible book slump that a certain Prince of Elfhame written by Holly Black has thrown me in. I really recommend this series to ALL lovers of fantasy. The world, the writing and the characters are incredibly well done and it’s bound to become a favorite!
Boy did it feel good to be back in the Tally universe! This series is one of the only ya books suited for very young readers that is able to make me lose my mind like the emotional fangirl that I am. This is a series that has made me scream in anger, cry with emotional tears and, yes, even ship children. I didn’t think it would be possible to best Catching Epics because that book was really something else, but I should have known Halie would find a way to! Also, kudos to this wonderful writer for creating moments that serve as a recap on the events of the previous two books. Not many authors (even mainstream ones!) take the time to do that, but in a series I find those moments to be extremely important. It’s wonderful to reread books before new releases, but not everyone has the time to! So it’s great that Halie takes the time to really make sure that you can dive right back into the world and these characters. And let me tell you, she does a fantastic job of it!
After the shocking cliffhanger in book 2, the stakes in A Deal For Three were higher than ever before. The book was very fast-paced, with lots of action, lots of plotting and so much room for these characters to grow! I’ve always found Halie’s characters to be very well rounded and relatable, but it has never been more so than in this book. The characters certainly evolve, but at the same time they remain the lovable little cinnamon buns that we’ve grown to love (and, in some cases, the little shites that we love to hate. I’m looking at you, Ratuan. I’m looking at you.) And what more can I tell you? I’m a sucker for romance, and I was really satisfied with the development of Archie and Allie’s relationship in this one. Feels, swooning and the occasional swearing were all a part of the package deal.
Vack and Ebby. I love them. I know, Halie, I’m sorry. I have a feeling that I shouldn’t be as invested as I am in this relationship, but I CAN’T HELP IT. The banter between those two is just too real and I just really want them to live happily ever after, away from toxic Ratuan and all the shit they constantly have to face. Especially my poor Vack. My poor, sweet little baby. *cries in the distance*
ANYWAYS, to wrap things up, this book was absolutely incredible. It kept my interest piqued from start to end, which is not easy given the horrible book slump that a certain Prince of Elfhame written by Holly Black has thrown me in. I really recommend this series to ALL lovers of fantasy. The world, the writing and the characters are incredibly well done and it’s bound to become a favorite!
May 28, 2019
A Deal for Three is an improvement from the last book and I did enjoy it more, though had I not had a full day’s worth of bus rides to read it in, I’m not sure I would have kept to it and I definitely wouldn’t have read it so quickly. Between those two factors, and writing the review a few days later, probably contributes greatly to any “I seem to recall…” moments to follow.
Things pick up right where book 2 left off, with chases and duels/battles and of course, lots of plotting and scheming and doubting and trusting. Our time is now split between more characters: Allie, Archie and Ebby. I seem to recall Ratuan and Jalia getting a chapter or two in the mix as well?
To start off with a quick list of what I like: Prince Avalask. We don’t get much of him, but I loved and laughed when we did get him and his personality. Ebby and Vack really growing into their roles, as a team, and developing their powers. Jalia and her intelligence and take-no-nonsense attitude – she’s the grounding stone of the team. Archie developing his powers and getting to spend some time in a different environment, with different people. Even with their largely dubious natures, I think he benefitted from the change of atmosphere. I highly enjoyed the time spent with Kit’s family, that’s for sure! I also appreciated that we got some more information about Escali-Human language translations – namely, that there are actual translators between the languages, not just the Epics or mages with a language ability taking care of it. It’s enough to start breaking down the sense I got that the two communities (other than the Tallies and the Epics) adamantly and flat-out refuse to learn the other’s language for no apparent reason other than they’re fighting over territory.
Some general brushstrokes of things that could use improvement: The amount of trust put into Ratuan and his plan, his deal for three. I am still incredulous at how much trust is put into this kid who’s barely even a teenager, no matter if he proved himself in breaking out the Dincaran kids from Escali prison. The mechanics of the Tekada-Kelianland relationship – Kelianland sends goods and materials to Tekada, and Tekada sends them mages (still no idea how they know a mage before they develop powers, but whatever) to survive and fight the Escali. The trade seems hardly fair, not even carrying a semblance of fairness. (Time to throw some tea in the harbor or its equivalent in this world!) What has prevented the humans on the Escali continent from breaking and declaring independence from the much-hated King Kelian thus far anyways? Which brings me to the world-building – we get lots of puzzle pieces of how this society works, but never enough to really get a good idea of how the whole picture is supposed to look. Which probably (almost definitely) plays into my shock at what life is like in Tekada and how it is. If King Kelian cared at all for his landward expansion into Escali land, then he should have been more proactive in supplying the “settlers” of Kelianland with weapons and troops and general support beyond sending untested kid mages.
My biggest gripe in the whole book is probably regarding Archie/Allie. I really could have done without the whole question/big deal about “Archie will have to lead the effort to find and catch her, all while trying not to become one of the Zhauri himself.” Putting his loyalties in question just felt contrived to me. I never doubted that he would stay true to his nature as we’ve seen it – and he’s never given us any reason to doubt him either – and to have it shoved in my face that others doubted him as much as they did was killing me with how unbelievable it was. I groaned every. single. time. that anyone questioned his loyalty. If I was him and everyone I knew and loved kept doubting me like that, I might go ahead and do something just to justify their doubt and get them to leave me alone! The only good thing we got out of that was the favorite quote I have under a spoiler cut below. At least we should now be done with his family surprises. I don’t know if it would be possible at this point to shove anything else into his bloodline that would shock and potentially push away Allie. Yay for forced drama! (not)
That said, the curse that plagues the Escali royal family is now hitting Allie, and since she’s very hard to kill with her tenacity for surviving everything thrown at her (not even a duel against a Zhauri brother can do her in so easily!), the curse has to get very creative if it wants to see her dead. The time we spend with Allie, we can see how desperate her situation is becoming with her ever-growing string of bad luck. Yet Allie always miraculously finds the energy to pull through a given trial and keep on going. Sometimes I really don’t know how she could possibly even find any more energy, with how little she had to work with in the first place. It was quite … impressive.
Ebby and Vack are still living in hiding along with Jalia, and I am really glad we get to see more of them working together and more importantly getting along. They have a good dynamic, a good balance between the three of them, and they have really grown as a team during their time in hiding. I just found it a little unbelievable that I also enjoyed seeing how Ebby has grown stronger and more confident in herself – quite a difference from the Tear-salt she used to be! I would have liked to see a bit more of Vack – maybe we’ll get lucky and he’ll have some POV chapters in book IV?
So, all in all, an average book with more stuff that got on my nerves than not, though there were things I did like too. And since my Kindle Unlimited subscription is over, well, it’s not looking like I’ll be continuing the series anytime soon, even though there are only 2 books left to write and publish. But I wish Ms. Fewkes the best of luck – it’s not easy to get your brainchild of over what, a decade? out there like this, and I hope (and have seen how) others can appreciate and enjoy the Secrets of the Tally series more than I did.
Favorite quotes :
Love is a competition, Vack, to outserve, outplease, and outprotect one another from the harms this world wishes you. May she always challenge you to become a better man, and may you rise to that challenge with grace and a thankful heart. Relish the time you have with her, but know that it can’t last. -place 2745- Vack's mom's message to him, 'for when you fall in love'
Inconsistencies/typo-type stuff:
(there were about a half dozen or so actual typos I noticed, but since I had limited time with the book, I didn’t note them as I usually would)
Things pick up right where book 2 left off, with chases and duels/battles and of course, lots of plotting and scheming and doubting and trusting. Our time is now split between more characters: Allie, Archie and Ebby. I seem to recall Ratuan and Jalia getting a chapter or two in the mix as well?
To start off with a quick list of what I like: Prince Avalask. We don’t get much of him, but I loved and laughed when we did get him and his personality. Ebby and Vack really growing into their roles, as a team, and developing their powers. Jalia and her intelligence and take-no-nonsense attitude – she’s the grounding stone of the team. Archie developing his powers and getting to spend some time in a different environment, with different people. Even with their largely dubious natures, I think he benefitted from the change of atmosphere. I highly enjoyed the time spent with Kit’s family, that’s for sure! I also appreciated that we got some more information about Escali-Human language translations – namely, that there are actual translators between the languages, not just the Epics or mages with a language ability taking care of it. It’s enough to start breaking down the sense I got that the two communities (other than the Tallies and the Epics) adamantly and flat-out refuse to learn the other’s language for no apparent reason other than they’re fighting over territory.
Some general brushstrokes of things that could use improvement: The amount of trust put into Ratuan and his plan, his deal for three. I am still incredulous at how much trust is put into this kid who’s barely even a teenager, no matter if he proved himself in breaking out the Dincaran kids from Escali prison. The mechanics of the Tekada-Kelianland relationship – Kelianland sends goods and materials to Tekada, and Tekada sends them mages (still no idea how they know a mage before they develop powers, but whatever) to survive and fight the Escali. The trade seems hardly fair, not even carrying a semblance of fairness. (Time to throw some tea in the harbor or its equivalent in this world!) What has prevented the humans on the Escali continent from breaking and declaring independence from the much-hated King Kelian thus far anyways? Which brings me to the world-building – we get lots of puzzle pieces of how this society works, but never enough to really get a good idea of how the whole picture is supposed to look. Which probably (almost definitely) plays into my shock at what life is like in Tekada and how it is. If King Kelian cared at all for his landward expansion into Escali land, then he should have been more proactive in supplying the “settlers” of Kelianland with weapons and troops and general support beyond sending untested kid mages.
My biggest gripe in the whole book is probably regarding Archie/Allie. I really could have done without the whole question/big deal about “Archie will have to lead the effort to find and catch her, all while trying not to become one of the Zhauri himself.” Putting his loyalties in question just felt contrived to me. I never doubted that he would stay true to his nature as we’ve seen it – and he’s never given us any reason to doubt him either – and to have it shoved in my face that others doubted him as much as they did was killing me with how unbelievable it was. I groaned every. single. time. that anyone questioned his loyalty. If I was him and everyone I knew and loved kept doubting me like that, I might go ahead and do something just to justify their doubt and get them to leave me alone! The only good thing we got out of that was the favorite quote I have under a spoiler cut below. At least we should now be done with his family surprises. I don’t know if it would be possible at this point to shove anything else into his bloodline that would shock and potentially push away Allie. Yay for forced drama! (not)
That said, the curse that plagues the Escali royal family is now hitting Allie, and since she’s very hard to kill with her tenacity for surviving everything thrown at her (not even a duel against a Zhauri brother can do her in so easily!), the curse has to get very creative if it wants to see her dead. The time we spend with Allie, we can see how desperate her situation is becoming with her ever-growing string of bad luck. Yet Allie always miraculously finds the energy to pull through a given trial and keep on going. Sometimes I really don’t know how she could possibly even find any more energy, with how little she had to work with in the first place. It was quite … impressive.
Ebby and Vack are still living in hiding along with Jalia, and I am really glad we get to see more of them working together and more importantly getting along. They have a good dynamic, a good balance between the three of them, and they have really grown as a team during their time in hiding. I just found it a little unbelievable that I also enjoyed seeing how Ebby has grown stronger and more confident in herself – quite a difference from the Tear-salt she used to be! I would have liked to see a bit more of Vack – maybe we’ll get lucky and he’ll have some POV chapters in book IV?
So, all in all, an average book with more stuff that got on my nerves than not, though there were things I did like too. And since my Kindle Unlimited subscription is over, well, it’s not looking like I’ll be continuing the series anytime soon, even though there are only 2 books left to write and publish. But I wish Ms. Fewkes the best of luck – it’s not easy to get your brainchild of over what, a decade? out there like this, and I hope (and have seen how) others can appreciate and enjoy the Secrets of the Tally series more than I did.
Favorite quotes :
Love is a competition, Vack, to outserve, outplease, and outprotect one another from the harms this world wishes you. May she always challenge you to become a better man, and may you rise to that challenge with grace and a thankful heart. Relish the time you have with her, but know that it can’t last. -place 2745- Vack's mom's message to him, 'for when you fall in love'
Inconsistencies/typo-type stuff:
(there were about a half dozen or so actual typos I noticed, but since I had limited time with the book, I didn’t note them as I usually would)
March 9, 2019
It was a little difficult to get started on this book, because in the 8 months since finishing Catching Epics, a lot has happened over here, and I didn't really have a clear memory of how the last book ended. And unlike in many other series books, the previous books weren't summarized handily in the beginning. To be completely honest though, it drives me crazy when authors do that, so overall, I can't fault Ms. Fewkes' choice.
I was reading a couple of other mainstream fantasy books just before this one, and my goodness is it so much better than most of the things out there that are published by "real" publishing houses. I'm pretty disappointed that these books need kickstarter to get funded, because they're fantastic!
I was reading a couple of other mainstream fantasy books just before this one, and my goodness is it so much better than most of the things out there that are published by "real" publishing houses. I'm pretty disappointed that these books need kickstarter to get funded, because they're fantastic!
July 14, 2019
In the third book of Secrets of The Tally, we follow the journey of Ebby and Vack as they develop their powers with the help of their Escali friend, Jalia. In this book, Allie and Emery spent days trying to put back the Tally group together while Archie was forced to join the Zhauri brothers where we will learn about his relationship to one of them.
It took me weeks to finish this, but it’s entirely my fault. I was in a huge reading slump.
Anyway, I love this book so much! It’s actually my favourite book so far. Is it illegal to ship Ebby with Vack? Because that’s what I do! I think they’re really cute together. The characters are amazing as always. They stick to the sane personality that we’ll personally know who they are.
I love how the friendships work in this book. It’s stronger and more sincere. I love how past issues (like Allie’s memories) are mentioned because other books doesn’t do that. The writer clearly keeps her details and storyline. It was super well-written. I can feel the scenes through the details given by the author. This book is amazing! I can’t wait for the next book to be released! (See the cover on Halie Fewkes’s instagram account)
Note: This book was sent to me by the author for an honest review. It does not affect my views about the book.
It took me weeks to finish this, but it’s entirely my fault. I was in a huge reading slump.
Anyway, I love this book so much! It’s actually my favourite book so far. Is it illegal to ship Ebby with Vack? Because that’s what I do! I think they’re really cute together. The characters are amazing as always. They stick to the sane personality that we’ll personally know who they are.
I love how the friendships work in this book. It’s stronger and more sincere. I love how past issues (like Allie’s memories) are mentioned because other books doesn’t do that. The writer clearly keeps her details and storyline. It was super well-written. I can feel the scenes through the details given by the author. This book is amazing! I can’t wait for the next book to be released! (See the cover on Halie Fewkes’s instagram account)
Note: This book was sent to me by the author for an honest review. It does not affect my views about the book.
February 20, 2022
Book 3, A Deal For Three, of the Secrets of the Tally series by Halie Fewkes had me on pins and needles to find out what would happen next the whole read through and brought on all the feels! One minute I’m nervous for a character I care out, the next minute I’m laughing out loud because of a fun quip they said, and then I find myself smirking when characters do something sweet. I’ve breathed out sighs of relief I hadn’t realized I was holding until the suspense was over, and I held back tears during the very emotional decisions and losses they go through. I love great writing like this series has that can bring the reader along for the ride with all those emotions from and for so many of the characters and makes me forget I am on my couch while I am devouring the rich story as it plays out in my head the way this highly immersive series does! Even though book 3 is about 400 pages long, I couldn’t put it down and read it in 2 days! This whole series so far has proven to be such fast-paced page turners that are easy and exciting to read quickly!
All of the characters, no matter how small of a character and no matter which of the opposing sides of the conflict they are on, are so well written and have very clear motives and opinions that let the reader understand why they make certain decisions and respond to things the way they do, which I really enjoy understanding the insight of as I read.
I find myself thankful when one problem gets solved, but immediately another issue or surprise twist pops up that needs to be solved because that means there is more to keep reading! I am excitedly already starting to read book 4 on the same day I have finished reading book 3 because I can’t wait to continue to find out what will happen next in this amazing and original series!
All of the characters, no matter how small of a character and no matter which of the opposing sides of the conflict they are on, are so well written and have very clear motives and opinions that let the reader understand why they make certain decisions and respond to things the way they do, which I really enjoy understanding the insight of as I read.
I find myself thankful when one problem gets solved, but immediately another issue or surprise twist pops up that needs to be solved because that means there is more to keep reading! I am excitedly already starting to read book 4 on the same day I have finished reading book 3 because I can’t wait to continue to find out what will happen next in this amazing and original series!
February 26, 2020
It was an ok book
Honestly, I loved the first book. I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second. The second book was good but I started feeling like there was some self sabatoge going on. For example, they'd make a plan to fight a war and then the main character would go completely against them and end up getting her and all her friends in trouble. One time is not so bad, but you should learn from your mistakes. This book was full of it over and over and over until I could hardly get myself to finish the book. I felt like there was a lot of needless fighting that did nothing to move the story forward. Characters I once loved, I'm ending this book annoyed at. If that's what the intention of the author was, cool.... But I find myself wish washy about buying book 4
Honestly, I loved the first book. I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second. The second book was good but I started feeling like there was some self sabatoge going on. For example, they'd make a plan to fight a war and then the main character would go completely against them and end up getting her and all her friends in trouble. One time is not so bad, but you should learn from your mistakes. This book was full of it over and over and over until I could hardly get myself to finish the book. I felt like there was a lot of needless fighting that did nothing to move the story forward. Characters I once loved, I'm ending this book annoyed at. If that's what the intention of the author was, cool.... But I find myself wish washy about buying book 4
April 12, 2019
Book one & two of this series had me captivated and book 3 is no different! We get a more up close look at the "bad guys" - also known as the Zhauri and oh my goodness, they're awesome. Somehow this author managed to make me fall in love with the villain-like characters just as much as the protagonists. I couldn't put A Deal For Three down after I picked it up. If you haven't tried this series yet-grab Secrets of the Tally and get started. Actually, I seriously recommend grabbing book 1, 2, & 3 so when you get through the first one in a day you have the sequels ready to go.
January 9, 2023
Keeps getting crazier and better!
I love each book more than the last. The story is so wonderful and interesting. The twists and turns and mystery and deceptiveness. It’s just so good! I feel so much a part of the world as someone floating above watching what is happening and wanting to jump in at times to stop the impending fear.
I love each book more than the last. The story is so wonderful and interesting. The twists and turns and mystery and deceptiveness. It’s just so good! I feel so much a part of the world as someone floating above watching what is happening and wanting to jump in at times to stop the impending fear.
March 8, 2019
Whew, it's so hard to read this series and not know what's going to happen next to these characters! This book was a great read, hooks you from the start, and tugs at your heart! I can't wait to read the next one. 😊💗
August 6, 2019
I absolutely loved this third addition to the series! Between life choices and life altering fates for the many character a deal for three shows a whole new side and brings more to light than ever before
October 11, 2025
Great continuation of the series
Love the first two books, and the 3rd doesn't disappoint. More heart breaking moments in this one and some darker ones as well but still excited to see where the story goes.
Love the first two books, and the 3rd doesn't disappoint. More heart breaking moments in this one and some darker ones as well but still excited to see where the story goes.
November 6, 2019
What a fun adventure. I've had a great time reading this series with my niece. It has a few surprises and is well written.
December 28, 2019
I don't normally like fight scenes, but Halie's are totally epic!! (Pun intended.) There are so many crafty plot intricacies, and the action is fast-paced. I can't wait to read the next one!
August 26, 2025
Loved it!
May 10, 2026
I swear the series just keeps getting better and better!! I highly recommend 😍😍
July 10, 2024
It just gets better and better!!!!!
…….
AND MORE HEARTBREAKING HOW COULD IT BE JALIA?!??????
NOT JALIA ANYONE BUT HER PLEASE😭
I cried my eyes out, and tore at my hair when HER stuff happened, but I laughed with her and Vack, along with her and Ebby talking about how Jalia will be with Vack and kill any girl who fights her for him. SUCH AN AMAZING DYNAMIC BETWEEN THESE CHARACTERS!!!
Oh, and Allie and Archie??? They are becoming unbearably AMAZING!!! And adorable, I might add 😏
…….
AND MORE HEARTBREAKING HOW COULD IT BE JALIA?!??????
NOT JALIA ANYONE BUT HER PLEASE😭
I cried my eyes out, and tore at my hair when HER stuff happened, but I laughed with her and Vack, along with her and Ebby talking about how Jalia will be with Vack and kill any girl who fights her for him. SUCH AN AMAZING DYNAMIC BETWEEN THESE CHARACTERS!!!
Oh, and Allie and Archie??? They are becoming unbearably AMAZING!!! And adorable, I might add 😏
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! I liked how Ebby and Vack grew as characters. I all so enjoyed getting to see the Zhauri as them self's not how Allie portrayed them. I love how each book just gets better than the last which I don't see a lot. Halie Fewkes doesn't let down!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews